Cannon adopts program to minimize paperwork, streamline transfers Published April 6, 2006 Air Force Medical Service CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Beginning April 17 the 27th Medical Group providers will be using a new computer program to document healthcare. This program is part of a new computer information system being added to the medical treatment facilities’ (MTF) existing technologies. This system is replacing current paper-based records with a permanent, computer-based patient records, which will be accessible by authorized providers and staff throughout the Department of Defense’s Military Health System (MHS) at MHS facilities world-wide. This system will offer special features of direct benefit to patients, their healthcare providers, the MHS staff and the DoD. Initially, as providers and the MTF staff become familiar with this new technology, patients may experience a slight increase in the length of their appointments as their health encounter information is documented in the Armed Forces Health Longitudinal Technology Application (AHLTA). Additionally, during implementation, each provider may have fewer available appointments. As the MTF staff becomes experienced with this new clinical information system, patients will see a return to the normal process as more appointments become available over the six-week ramp-up period. Although fewer appointments will be available for the next two months and access to providers may become challenging, the quality of care during appointments will not be compromised. Anyone wishing to make an appointment with their provider may call the clinic at 784-2778.